A GROUP of talented footballers from South Africa have been showing off their skills at a school in Leigh before visiting Manchester United's Old Trafford stadium.

Pupils at Bedford High School played host to seven youngsters from The Gardens Commercial High School in Cape Town as part of an international partnership.

The 16-year-olds were able to find out more about life in England, experience a different culture and celebrate a shared love of football.

The boys took part in a typical school day, to see how it differs to their own, and they experienced PE lessons, with Bedford High students acting as buddies.

The week-long trip included a trip to Chester as well as a VIP tour of Old Trafford.

The teenagers took to the pitch to play a match against Bedford's year nine team and were held to a 4-4 draw, before taking on other schools in Leigh as part of their visit.

Bedford head teacher Helen Phillips said: "We were delighted to welcome the students from The Gardens.

"They were a credit to their school and great ambassadors for their country.

"The visit was not only a chance for them to learn about a different culture but also an opportunity for our students to gain an insight into the lives of South African students."